The opportunity in hydrogen

Hydrogen will play a significant complementary role to electricity in the transition to a net-zero energy system. It has potential application across a range of end-use markets, including industry and transport, and can enable international trade of clean energy. Deployment of hydrogen across the globe is gathering momentum and it is projected to meet 5-20% of final energy demand by 2050. Many organizations are wrestling with whether and where to play, how to build capability, and what should be the appropriate pace of investment given market immaturity and uncertainties.

 

How we can help 

CRA and Marakon have established an integrated offering to assist companies and investors navigate and realize the opportunities in hydrogen. Our team consists of some of the world’s leading experts who can help address matters related to strategic, organizational, economic, regulatory and technical needs.

 

Our focus areas 

Strategic direction setting

Advisory and thought partnership on foundational choices and implications:

  • Why hydrogen (role in strategy)
  • When to invest (lead v. fast follow)
  • Where to play (value chain, technology, end-markets, regions)
  • How to win (capabilities, “big bets”)

 

Business / Project build support

Strategic PMO support in business development and commercialization:

  • Mobilization and initial acceleration
  • Investment case development
  • Commercial construct and partnership model development
  • Organizational design

 

Due diligence and expert input

Expert-led subject matter support:

  • M&A / transaction support
  • Hydrogen value chain assessment
  • Technology assessment
  • Financial and operational modelling
  • Policy and regulatory advice

 

Proprietary market models

Hydrogen and alternative energy models and forecasts at regional levels:

  • Supply / demand and pricing
  • Cost curves
  • Technology lifecycle GHG emissions
  • Policy / incentives implications

Related Articles

Hydrogen Market Primer

Hydrogen has the potential to play a critical role in the energy transition, but the space remains nascent and is highly complex, with a dynamic value chain of supply and demand possibilities. CEOs and business leaders looking to invest into hydrogen need to work through significant strategic, organizational, and operational questions. Why hydrogen, when to invest, and where in the value chain? Whether and who to partner with, and with what commercial construct? What are the economics and drivers? As a starting point, some basic level setting on the market fundamentals will support decision makers contemplating these types of questions. To that end, Marakon and CRA are pleased to provide this hydrogen primer as a point of reference.

Hydrogen: 10 Questions CEOs and Their Boards Must Ask Before Investing

There is a great deal of renewed enthusiasm for hydrogen as a major element of a clean energy future. Hydrogen can support longer term decarbonization alongside electrification, but there is still a great deal of uncertainty. Many CEOs feel pressure to invest in clean hydrogen to avoid being seen as “back-footed”, but there is real risk of moving too fast and too far in front of economic viability and demand. Before committing material time, money and human capital, there are 10 key questions CEOs and their Boards should be asking themselves and their teams.